Amid opening of religious places from August 16, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Budgam, Shahbaz Mirza today urged religious leaders, imams representing all areas, sects across the district to use their influence to create COVID-19 awareness among masses.While chairing a meeting of religious leaders and imams, the DC asked them to prepare the masses to follow and strictly adhere to all COVID-19 SOPs, guidelines and precautions to help district administration in containing transmission of virus.The DC said it is our cumulative endeavour and responsibility to caution people of the danger of spread of COVID -19 pandemic at larger level, which is still not over despite all precautions and measures in place.He asked them to use their influence and religious connections to prepare devotees to minimize the public gatherings to the best extent so that social distancing parameters are automatically maintained.The religious leaders present in the meeting assured DDC that all precautions and guidelines envisaged in already issued protocols will be followed strictly during prayer sessions.